All tumble dryers dry clothes — but how they do it makes a big difference to your electricity bill and where you can put them. Here's how the three types compare.
Vented
The cheapest to buy. They blow warm, moist air out through a hose to an outside vent, so they need an external wall. Higher running costs and limited placement. Best for: a low upfront budget with a vent already in place.
Condenser
They collect moisture in a tank (or drain it away), so they can go anywhere — no vent needed. More flexible than vented, but still uses more energy than a heat pump. Best for: flexibility on a budget.
Heat pump
Recycles warm air instead of constantly heating fresh air, making it by far the cheapest to run and gentlest on clothes. Costs more upfront, but the energy savings pay back over time. Best for: anyone who dries often. Browse heat pump dryers.
Quick comparison
- Running cost: Heat pump (lowest) < Condenser < Vented.
- Upfront cost: Vented (cheapest) < Condenser < Heat pump.
- Placement: Condenser and heat pump go anywhere; vented needs a wall vent.
- Gentleness on fabrics: Heat pump runs at lower temperatures.
Final thoughts
If you dry clothes regularly, a heat pump dryer is almost always the smart long-term buy; a condenser suits a tighter budget; vented only makes sense if you already have a vent. See the full tumble dryers range or ask in any of our 60+ stores.
